With 29 of 30 District 6 boxes reporting, Gardner currently leads with 1231 votes to Bell's 898, edging out the remaining three candidates.

The 66-year-old Bell from West End served as principal for new
Hope Christian Elementary School before it closed. Gardner, 52, is a product of
the Birmingham public school system and now works as a funeral service director in West End.

During their campaigns in recent weeks both candidates agreed that in the face of the state takeover and the Birmingham school
system's other recent hurdles, communication and cooperation within
its own ranks is the school board's greatest need.

"We were hoping for a win outright," said Gardner, "but we will continue to get out in the pubic and hope people will respond."

Updated with quotes from Ms. Gardner. Mrs. Bell could not be immediately reached for comment.